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A key reason why Man United fared reasonably well against Bayern

David Moyes’ charged held their heads up in Champions League elimination, with the Scot’s side the underdog for once.

Manchester United have built up such a fearsome reputation and track record that the club’s fans have grown very used to matches being won and trophies being lifted.

This season with a changing in the managerial guard, the Old Trafford outfit are in a transitional state and struggling to emulate previous successes.

Despite a mediocre domestic campaign, United did reach the Champions League quarter-finals before being eliminated last night by holders Bayern Munich.

Regardless of a draw at home and a 3-1 defeat in Bavaria, the majority of United fans will surely feel like their side performed with heart and will be relatively convinced by improved performances.

One of the main reasons that United have struggled at times domestically but were competitive against Bayern is David Moyes’ mentality.

The Scot has come from a cash-strapped Everton side that has consistently punched above its weight – but one that went into fixtures against big clubs as the underdog.

After nine years at Goodison Park, moving to the biggest club in the country where second best is simply not an option will take time adjusting to.

With United struggling against the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham, Swansea and other teams that they usually are expected to beat on home soil, this may well be down to Moyes’ tactics – and his getting used to being the overwhelming favourites.

Against Bayern, with United written off and not given a chance by many, Moyes was in his element of overachieving and taking up the underdog tag.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.